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Pricci's Free Daily Feature Race Analysis

Whenever his daily work schedule permits, HorseRaceInsider executive editor John Pricci will analyze that day's feature race from a major thoroughbred-racing jurisdiction.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Seeking Value in Competitiive Cigar

On the Equiform scale, Caixa Electronica is one of the few members of this field capable of keeping a fast pace early and sustain his finishing power late (note two races back the 3 point spread and the power showed previously with a career best 78-½ coming off a moderate 67 pace figure. Such versatility is rare. With position conscious JR Velazquez from a well posted 5 slip, hard-hitting 4-time winner at the distance will have options in what figures to be a tricky “rider’s race.”

To Honor And Serve is the perceived “best horse.” Classy 3-year-old, a deserving “highweight,” stalked the older Game On Dude in 10-furlong Breeders’ Cup Classic before weakening to finish 3-½ lengths behind older stablemate Drosselmeyer after winning the Pennsylvania Derby previously. Never defeated on this surface, he owns excellent speed if Jose Lezcano chooses to use it and has excellent staying power (76-78 In Pa. Derby) to finish the job. Worthy favorite will be difficult to deny.

Taking Caixa Electronica to win at 5-2 or greater and an exacta box with To Honor And Serve

Friday, November 25, 2011

A Ray of Light on Black Friday

A deep competitive group has been assembled for today's Grade1 Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs, including two that had a recent race over the track--in the Breeders' Cup Classic..

But we're not looking to take a short price on Flat Out, who despite his recent tough trip still has done his very best racing at Belmont Park, while all Ruler On Ice only can boast is a single important victory this year over a 3-year-old group lacking a consistent Grade 1 performer for two straight races, much less an entire season.

Instead, we'll take any value offered on Headache, a three-time Churchill Downs victory and a two-time winner at the trip. He should use his tactical speed and kick to best advantage from post 8 in this crowded field. The switch to a suddenly resurgent Edgar Prado could be just the tonic for a minor upset.

Taking Headache to win at 6-1 or greater and key boxing him in multiples with Ruler On Ice and Flat Out.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Easy as One, Two Three…and Four

Fans who don’t like the G3 Fall Highweight because it’s anachronistic these days just might have a hole in their soul. What’s not to like? One good reason? It’s fun. And (b) it’s old school, too.

Sorry, but can’t go past favorite Calibrachoa (8-5), part of a 3-ply Pletcher entry. For one, he’s won half his 14 starts at the distance; two, he’s 2-for-2 on the Big A main track and three; he’s already won three Grade 3 races this season.

And here’s one more: When carrying high weight, you want a clean trip; not go starting and stopping under a heavy impost. Well, there’s a lot of speed signed on to set things up nicely and the extreme outside slip should insure a good journey.

Taking Calibrachoa to win, no price restrictions, and keying him in multiple pools with sharp 3-year-old shipper, Parent’s Honor (12-1), who’s suited by the race shape, Sunrise Smarty (5-1), a classy sort than ran better than it looked in the G1 Carter here this spring, and the sharp ship-in Nathan’s HQ (6-1) who exit’s a key Delaware sprint (2-for-2).